Multiple diseases in the elderly: therapeutic management and avoidable pitfalls

Cause of undesirable effects: The nor mai aging process leads to homeostati c changes and modified absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs. E lderly subjects are thus more exposed to undesirable drug effects. In addit ion, the presence of multiple diseases, multiple drugs, dependency and cert ain social and behavioral factors act together to potentialize the generati on of side effects. Predictable risks: Accidents can result from drug-drug or drug-disease inte ractions. Subjects at risk can be identified using the concept of fragility . Possible prevention: Practical guidelines have been established by expert g roups and should be used to avoid inadequate use of drug therapies.